Gemma Pearson as Mary Brenham in Our Country's Good

Just two weeks to go before we take the stage with Our Country’s Good and our production is warming up nicely…

We’ve had some setbacks – some props in storage got inadvertently thrown away, and it’s always difficult to get all 20 cast members together for a rehearsal. But after a month’s break in August we’ve hit the ground running this week and building towards first night.

Our four-night run at the Drill Hall begins on Wednesday 22nd September and the play promises to be a memorable night out. Costumes look wonderful – some are being hired from the RSC; everyone is getting to grips with the sparse sets and the many quickfire scene changes; live music and sound effects are adding an extra depth to rehearsals.

If you’re unfamiliar with the play Our Country’s Good tells the true story of a group of convicts in 18th-century Australia who are encouraged by their Governor to stage a production of Farquhar’s The Recruiting Officer. In the face of great hostility and skepticism from some of the soldiers the play unites the convicts and unearths a hidden humanity within them.

As a metaphor for the redemptive power of theatre it’s hard to beat. It’s also by turns touching, funny and moving, and at the same time a fascinating piece of history brought to life on stage.

Our Country’s Good is being performed by the Lincoln Mystery Plays Company and tickets are available from Lincoln Drill Hall – boxoffice@lincolndrillhall.com or 01522 873894.